Streaming Media White Paper 2008 - (Page 22) 22 Best Practices: HOW TO PROFIT FROM INTERNET TV Higher Quality A typical web-streamed video is transferred at 200-300Kbps (grainy quality). Standard TV definition requires about a 1Mbps stream, and high definition (1080i) video requires a 6.5Mbps stream. It is no mystery that consumers not only want video but also top quality video. Currently, there are very few legal methods to get standard definition or high definition content, which might be why viewers turn to unauthorized P2P file sharing networks. By efficiently distributing the sourcing and burden of transfer for each stream, Pi-CAST allows for the streaming of larger file sizes and, therefore, higher video quality content. Increased Scalability While the central server might be easy to manage, it is difficult and costly to scale because it is prone to bottlenecks and lag created by sudden spikes in requests. Content owners turn to CDNs as fail-safes in scalability to avoid the pitfalls caused by sudden increases in traffic, but the P2P component of the Pi-CAST hybrid not only works well during times of increased scaling,it actually works better when there are dramatic increases in activity. P2P Server Stream. Each individual computer acts as a peer, and helps to coordinate and supply the stream. Downstream and upstream bandwidth are utilized as each computer also acts as a source. Benefits are efficiency, scalability, and low cost. With Pi-CAST, a large spike in viewers results in increased availability of sources for the stream. In the event that there are sudden drop-offs in viewers and peers, Pi-CAST will automatically revert to the CDN to maintain the quality of service of the stream. Additional Benefits Pi-CAST has been developed in-house from the bottom up with streaming in mind. It is completely secure and noninvasive (does not require an install). Pi-CAST is also completely trusted, as there is no spyware, malware, or adware and no collection or sharing of any information about individual clients. Pi-CAST is also extremely easy to implement and integrate. It will work with any existing CDN, so there is no need to alter existing processes. Pi-CAST can even act as your CDN if you don’t already have one. In addition, there is no need for additional hardware or software. Pi-CAST is as "plug-nplay" as it gets! Pi-CAST is the most direct solution to increasing quality, lowering costs, and preparing to scale. ABOUT PI-CAST Do you want to stream your video in higher quality at a cheaper price? Give Pi-CAST a try. sales@picast.com Pi-CAST Streaming Solutions is an ARTISTdirect, Inc. company. ARTISTdirect, Inc. is an online digital media entertainment company with expertise in multimedia content, video/audio streaming, music news and information, communities organized around shared music interests, and music-related specialty commerce and digital music services. Pi-CAST Central Server/P2P Hybrid Stream. The Central Server supplies the initial stream. Once the stream is active, Pi-CAST enables each individual computer as a peer, and begins to monitor and coordinate streaming across the network. The Pi-CAST Broker ensures both upstream and downstream bandwidth is utilized. Through this hybrid infrastructure, Pi-CAST can help realize the benefits of both models, providing a stable, secure, controllable network that is highly efficient, scalable, and cost effective.
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.